Filming begins on Star Wars: Episode VII

After months of anticipation, J.J Abrams' new instalment of the legendary sci-fi movie franchise has started shooting in Abu Dhabi today (16.05.14).

Filming will then continue at Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire where the majority of the movie will be shot.

It is the first time Emmy Award-winning director Abrams - who made his name shooting the 'Star Trek' reboot and cult TV series 'Lost' - has shot a movie outside of the US.

Bad Robot - J.J Abrams' production company - broke the news on Twitter, posting an image of the first film slate from the shoot, along with the hashtag ''#DayOne''.

Filming has commenced just weeks after the final cast line-up was announced.

Many cast members from the original trilogy such as Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew and Kenny Baker will all return to the franchise, while previously rumoured, John Boyega, Adam Driver and Andy Serkis will also have roles in the movie.

''It is both thrilling and surreal to watch the beloved original cast and these brilliant new performers come together to bring this world to life, once again. We start shooting in a couple of weeks, and everyone is doing their best to make the fans proud.''

The movie, which has a screenplay written by the director and Lawrence Kasban, opens worldwide on December 18, 2015.